DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager

Full Job Description

DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the State Living Alternatives (SOLA), under the direction of a Children’s SOLA-West Program Administrator, is responsible for managing client homes on a 24-hour per day, seven days a week basis in University Place, WA.

This position will collaborate closely with DDA Transition staff, Children’s Administration, RHC staff, County Mental Health and other community providers.

Additional Information:

• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation need

Some of what you'll do

• Design and direct the work activities of the Attendant Counselors household/team; set goals and priorities
• Monitor and assign work assignments
• Personnel: reviews PDFs, initiates position requisition, assists with recruitment including posting, reviews, reviews, certification, schedules and conduct interviews
• Provide orientation and training to AC staff, including shadowing requirements
• Provides support to AC staff on an ongoing basis, including corrective action as needed
• Conduct timely and effectively performance appraisals of staff
• Ensure Attendant Counselor staff function as members of a team
• Communicate clearly with families, guardians, and community partners.
• Rotate in the standby schedule to ensure 24/7 support.
• Step in to provide direct care when needed.
• Represent the administration in meetings, trainings, and community events.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Staff leadership – Ability to train, supervise, and provide effective, timely feedback to staff while managing and prioritizing multiple urgent issues.
• Policy knowledge – Comprehensive understanding of client care, agency policies, workplace practices, human resource protocols, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Communication and collaboration – Strong skills in working with employees, clients, families, and the public, including addressing problem-solving and conflict resolution professionally.
• Client care – Capability to work with adolescent clients who may have challenging behaviors, dual diagnoses, community protection concerns, or health issues, while meeting mandatory reporting requirements.
• Technology skills – Proficiency in basic computer functions such as email, word processing, and internet use, along with the ability to write professional reports, programs, and plans.
• Flexibility – Willingness to perform on-call or standby duties, lead teams effectively, and adapt to changing program needs.

Who should apply? Those with either:High school graduation or GED and four years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

OR High school graduation or GED and four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher level state class.ORMeets professional qualifications for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) (See addendum in desired qualifications) and one year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference project number 00573.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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